Finer Things Friday: Trick or Treating with Little Man

I am not a big fan of Halloween. I don't like the scary costumes. I don't like the blood and guts. I don't like the greed on the kids faces when they are only given one piece of candy when they want to take a handful when they say "trick or treat." I don't like the worry about pranks being pulled that damage property. I don't like the emphasis on witchcraft.

Last year, I did take Baby (who I'll be calling "Little Man" now that we have another baby on the way) to a few houses dressed as a skeleton. He was 3 weeks old - not even to his due date yet.

I also dressed him as a pumpkin.

I decided to take him out again this year. We had been given a super cute Pooh Bumble Bee costume. Honestly, I was worried about the atmosphere. I really had nothing to worry about on our street. All the kids that came by were great - were polite and thankful for their bounty. Little Man had a great time walking up and down the hill. I got to stand outside chatting with neighbors while he played with neighbor children. All in all, we had a very enjoyable night!




Just wanted to share a video of my sweet little man! Click over to Amy's Finer Things for more Finer Things on this Friday!

Disciples

I was reading through past 411God emails (have I told you how I love this service? I encourage you to sign up and send support if you can!), and happened upon this verse.  It is our instructions as Christians until Christ returns.

Matthew 28:16-20 (New Living Translation)

16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him--but some of them doubted!
 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We should all disciple someone.  I'm not talking about being a disciple who wears a robe like back in Bible times.  I mean being a person who takes another under their wing and leads them toward Christ.  Who are you discipling?  Is there a younger person in your life that is looking for direction?  Is there a friend or family member new in the Lord that is just starting their journey?  Who around you doesn't know Jesus yet?

Some other important questions - what holds you back?  Do you fear what others may think of you?  I know I do.  Do you become embarassed about being "different" from the mainstream?  Check.  Yup - me again.  Do you get tired and lazy?  Check.

Thankfully, the above verse comes with a great promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Yes, we may struggle with fear of man, with feelings of inadequacy, with fatigue.  No, we are never alone.  What a comfort that is!  Now, to just take that step.....

Breastfeeding Myth: You Cannot Donate Blood While Nursing

I can't donate blood.  Ever.  My veins are terrible - covered in scar tissue and really tiny.  I have to save those suckers for regular blood work.  Anyway, recently, our church hosted a blood drive.  A friend of mine mentioned that she was turned down because she is breastfeeding.  Her son is over a year old.

I just assumed that because a mom is breastfeeding, she is unable to donate blood.  Recently, thanks to the wonderful women on the Breastfeeding Support board on Babycenter.com, I learned that this is just not the case.

According to La Leche League,

Whether to donate blood is a decision that is best left up to the individual. Opinions vary as to whether it is a good idea. The American Red Cross says this about potential donors, in their Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines:

• defer while pregnant
• defer 6 weeks after giving birth
• defer 12 months if delivery required a blood transfusion
• accept nursing mothers

La Leche League's sources differ in their opinions on blood donation for breastfeeding mothers. Dr. Gregory White does not recommend it. Dr. Jack Newman says any otherwise eligible mother who is not anemic can donate blood. The Canadian Blood Service does not allow breastfeeding mothers to donate blood in the first six months postpartum. LLL recommends that mothers consult their own physicians and make an informed choice.
If a breastfeeding mother chooses to donate blood, she needs to be very careful to stay hydrated. Human milk is 87% water, and a blood donation takes 16 ounces of blood from the body. This is a lot of liquid to replace. All blood donors are cautioned to eat a substantial meal before donating blood and drink large quantities of water afterward. After a donation, donors are advised to avoid heavy lifting with the arm used to donate (to prevent excessive bruising). This may be a consideration for mothers who may not be able to avoid lifting and carrying their babies or older children.

Good to know!  

Works For Me Wednesday - Baby Wipes Containers

I struggled for a long time with what to do with all these baby wipe containers.  I know that as a teacher, I LOVED these in my classroom.  I've been saving them and planning to donate them to local teachers.  I did donate a few to my mom who is a teacher.  I still had a bunch left over.

DUH!  I can still use these to organize in my home!

I have filled them with all sorts of things and used a Sharpie to write the contents on the outside.  So far, I have containers filled with:

• Pens
• Mini first aid kits (from a great sale at Target)
• Socks (for Baby)
• Shoes (also, for Baby - he likes to hide them around the house)
• Bibs

Oh - the possibilities are endless!

Check out other Works for Me Wednesday posts over on WeAreTHATFamily.com for more great tips!

Hot Topic: CDC's Method of Calculating H1N1 Numbers

Yes, this is cross posted on my deals blog as well.  I am not trying to stir up debate. I am not recommending getting the vaccine or not getting the vaccine. I just want to pass along some information about some skewed numbers that are appearing in the media.

I like to have a lot of information. I do a TON of research for big decisions. I haven't made my decision yet (and don't have to since there are no vaccines here until at least December and those may not be ok for pregnant women).

My friend, Erika, has written a great post about how the CDC is calculating its numbers about the H1N1 pandemic that the media is circulating. Check it out!

Breastfeeding Myth: It's Natural and Therefore Easy

Oh, how I wish I had had time for a breastfeeding class before Baby was born.  I had thought that breastfeeding would be easy since it was a natural thing.  I thought when baby was born, I'd bring him to the breast and all would work out.  SO NOT TRUE!!!

Yes, breastfeeding is natural.  Yes, in time it becomes SUPER easy.  At first it is really hard work.  Here are a few things I wish I had known beforehand (not that my choice to nurse would have changed, I just would have had fewer surprises).

1. Breastfeeding hurts at first.  It takes several weeks for callouses to build up so that it no longer hurts.  Now, once you and baby get a good latch, the pain only lasts for the first minute with each latch.  To keep nipples in good shape, either use lanolin after feedings (no neet to wash it off before the next feeding) or leave a little breastmilk on the nipple and let it air dry.
2. Newborns nurse ALL THE TIME!  It is not unusual to have a newborn latched on 15 or more hours a day, more during growth spurts.  This is NORMAL.  This is what newborns do.  When they are born, their tummies are the size of a marble and slowly stretch to normal size over the first few weeks.  Also, breast milk digests VERY quickly - within 90 minutes.  If baby is showing hunger signs soon after finishing a nursing session, he is very likely hungry.
3. Growth spurts are really hard.  Growth spurts happen every couple weeks for the first 8 weeks then taper off in frequency and intensity after that.  The 4 and 6 week growth spurts are notoriously hard.  Remember, these only last a few days and in the grand scheme of things, this is a very short period of time.
4. Giving formula can decrease mom's milk supply.  Early on especially, every time a formula bottle is given, mom's body is told to not make milk for that feeding.  Giving formula early on is a very slippery slope.  If you do use formula, make sure to pump with each bottle given (you should also pump when giving breast milk bottles).  After 6 months, mom's supply is much more stable and can handle changes in routine more easily.

These are just a few things I wish I had known!  I will say that once you make it past the first 6-8 weeks, things get so much easier!  There is no getting up in the middle of the night to prepare a bottle, no cleaning and sterilizing bottles, no buying super expensive formula.  Having done the formula thing and the breast feeding thing, I will say that overall, breast feeding is easier.  Yes, there are benefits to using bottles (breast milk or formula) - especially for feeding in public when Baby gets too wiggly to nurse discretely in public, but overall, the health benefits and ease of breast feeding (after those first really hard weeks) wins in my book. 

Just remember, as moms, we are all trying to do what is best for our families.  Please be kind to other moms no matter how they choose to feed their babies.

Due Date

Hi all!  Just popping on here quickly at the end of a super busy day to give a baby update!  We had our first OB appointment today.  The OB was thrilled to see how Baby has grown over the past year since he was so teeny tiny at birth.  The new baby looks great.  We got to see the heartbeat.  It turns out I'm due a lot sooner that I thought.  Rather than being due at the end of June, we are due June 1st or 2nd!  I go back in a month for a very detailed early ultrasound.

Blessing Others

Have you gone out of your way to bless someone recently?

Our church and our community are engaged in a year long quest to become the kindest town in America.  Our pastors have been challenging us to step outside out comfort zone and really listen to how God wants us to bless others.

We've been hearing stories of how people have been blessing others.  For some, just allowing someone to pull in front would be a huge move toward kindness.  Others have blessed with changing tires, making food, donating clothing, and offering babysitting for free.  One story that was told last night broke my heart and spurred me to really seek to have my eyes and ears open for ways to bless others.

A husband and wife had gone to Walmart to pick up something little.  While in line, they saw a mother and young child in front.  The child picked up a candy bar and asked mom if he could have it.  Her answer - "I'm sorry honey.  Mommy just lost her job.  We can't afford sweets.  We can only afford what we have in the cart since this is Mommy's last paycheck."  The husband looked in this woman's cart.  Sure enough, it had cereal, vegetables, a little meat, and toilet paper.  Just essentials. 

As the cashier is ringing her up, this woman is watching the total closely.  At one point, she starts asking to remove items because she just can't afford them.  The husband and wife were standing there with breaking hearts.  They felt the tug from the Lord.  The husband handed over his debit card and paid for all of this woman's groceries.  Her total was $51.

With a grateful heart, the mother asked how she could repay this couple.  The husband handed over a "Blessing Card" (with church info and bible verse) and assured her nothing was needed.  God had put them behind her in line so that they could pay for her groceries.

I know this pregnancy has been making me extra sensitive and emotional, but my heart has always hurt for kids who need the basic items.   As the husband told his story with his voice full of emotion, I sat and tried to hold the tears back.  The commercials on TV which show a mom putting her son to bed with a hug, a story, a kiss, and an empty stomach just break my heart.

Yes, times are tight right now.  They don't have to be as bleak though.  If we all would look for ways to bless each other, even just little ways, we will all be better for it.    No, I am not saying that we can buy our salvation with good deeds.  Our good works are out of an overflow of the heart.  They also help change our heart - help to mold our hearts from the hearts of stones to hearts more like Christ's own heart.

Have you blessed someone today?

Blog Award

I wanted to thank my friend, Amber at Beyond Postpartum, for thinking of me for this award!  I have really enjoyed getting to know Amber as adults (we went to high school together) through the blogosphere.  She was a critical part of my journey through my postpartum issues.  Had I not started reading her blog, I would not have realized that I might have a problem!

I recently received this award on my other blog and passed it along, so I simply want to say thank you to Amber and to encourage you to check out her site!

Breastfeeding Myth: You Cannot Nurse While Pregnant

This issue is at the core of why I decided to focus on this topic for awhile.  Recently, I had a checkup with my endocrinologist for thyroid problems.  I let the nurse practitioner know that we are expecting.  I also let her know I am nursing still since I want to make sure my meds are right.  She told me I needed to stop.  She said that I will be starving the baby since my body will make milk first and then feed baby.  She said she'd defer to my OB, but that this is very controversial and shouldn't be done.  I politely disagreed (I am surprised I was able to be polite - I nearly broke down in tears because we have struggled so much to be able to nurse and neither of us are ready to stop plus I knew she was wrong).

So, what's the truth?
Studies have shown that nursing during pregnancy CAN be a problem for malnourished moms, however, no studies have shown that healthy and well-nourished moms typically give birth to malnourished babies.  I have several friends who have successfully nursed through pregnancy.

Our bodies are designed to care for the weakest first, thus, the baby.  Baby gets all the nutrition he/she needs.  Next, the little nursling gets the nutrition through the milk.  Lastly, mom's body gets the nutrition.  With this all in mind, mom must be very careful to eat a well balanced diet with plenty of liquids and calories.  My lactation consultant suggested I strive for close to 3000 calories per day to make sure I was getting enough.

Contractions and Preterm Labor
This issue is my main concern.  I know nursing causes mild uterine contractions similar to those that occur during sex and later in pregnancy (Braxton-Hicks).  I am personally working with my OB and my lactation consultant to make sure we are doing what is best for all three since I delivered a month early.  I may need to wean as the pregnancy progresses, but most likely, as long as my OB has said that sex is safe, breastfeeding will be safe.

Conclusions
So, if you want to nurse through pregnancy, talk to your lactation consultant then go for it!  I say lactation consultant because doctors are notorious for not really understanding breastfeeding due to the severe lack of training in the subject.  The endocrinologist nurse practitioner that gave me a hard time had nursed both of her children 20 years ago and she had no idea how the body worked regarding nursing.  

I know that being pregnant while nursing will be a huge tax on my body.  I am prepared for that.  I am eating well and taking plenty of vitamins.  I drink enough fluids and spend several hours just resting each day.  I am also remaining fairly active - going for walks and generally just chasing around a toddler.

What are your thoughts on this myth?

Finer Things Friday - Sleeping Baby!!!

Oh, sweet blessings!  Those of you who know me or have been reading for awhile probably know how my son is NOT a sleeper.  At 12 months old, it is normal a GOOD night if he wakes 3 times.  Naps are just about as good.  When left on his own in the crib or pack n play, a 30 minute nap would be fantastic.  To get better night sleep, he would nap on me during the day and would nap about an hour twice.  We tried the No-Cry Sleep Solution.  We tried Cry-It-Out.  CIO worked - for one whole week after extreme trauma on both our parts.  I just didn't have it in me to do it again.

Well.....  for the SECOND DAY in a row, I put him in his pack n play when he was sleepy.  He could see me the whole time.  He played a bit and then got quiet.  When I looked over, he was OUT COLD!  Yesterday, his nap lasted about 30 minutes, but he FELL ASLEEP ON HIS OWN WITH NO SCREAMING OR INTESTINAL DISTRESS!  He finished his nap on me.

Today, he FELL ASLEEP ON HIS OWN and slept for nearly 3 HOURS!  ON HIS OWN!  Oh - this is such an answer to prayer!  I am so exhausted with this pregnancy.  I just pray that this new trend continues.  I lock the dog in our room so she doesn't bark in his face and wake him up.

I think one big thing that has helped is that he has given up his morning nap.  He's also walking.  Please, Lord, help this new sleep trend to continue and carry over into night time sleep!

Join Amy over at Finer Things to see all sorts of fantastic stories!

We Are THAT Family Blogoversary Link-up!

I am so excited to take part in this blog link-up!  Click over to We Are THAT Family for more great stories!  All my life, I have known that I was part of THAT family and it hasn't changed since I've become an adult!

Here are a couple stories that stand out.

Scenario One:
The family (me, hubby, my parents, and my brother) is eating at a fancy restaurant overlooking the Tennessee River.  We had gotten a little silly - no alcohol was involved.  It got to the point that while laughing with the waitress, she had to run out of the room so she didn't wet her pants.  This was probably the third or fourth time this has happened!

Scenario Two:
I am at Motherhood with my mom and my Baby shopping for nursing bras.  While in the changing room, I thought it would be funny to see what Baby looked like with the "tummy pillow" on - you know, the pillow you can tie around your waist to see what you would look like 3 months ahead.  All I can say is WOW!  I am sad I didn't have my camera.  Baby was only 5 months old!

Scenario Three:
I am beginning to see that a lot of the THAT family moments have happened because I am pretty much a dingbat.  Back to Motherhood.  I am about 4 months pregnant and in need of my first maternity clothes.  I am in the dressing room and see a pillow hanging from the hook.  For some reason, I thought it was a lumbar pillow to help with back pain.  I strap it on my back and sit down to see if it helps.  It doesn't.  Brilliant me decides to go out in the store and ask how it is supposed to work.  Yet another Kodak moment - the look on the saleswoman's face was priceless!  She gently explaines that the pillow goes on the FRONT so I can see what I'd look like in 3 months!  Needless to say, we all (including other customers) had a good laugh.

Feeding Our Babies

I do not want this to be a debate between formula and breastfeeding.  As moms, we tend to put each other down way too much.  There are so many reasons why moms choose to feed one way or the other.  With Baby, I both breastfed and gave formula.  I am still nursing and still giving a little toddler formula.  Medical problems necessitated the formua, but it has helped to break some preconceived ideas I had developed.

I will be addressing breastfeeding a bit over the next few weeks.  I am not putting down formula feeding moms.  I just found in my journey that there are so many misunderstandings about breastfeeding that often make it easy to fail. 

To start off the journey through breastfeeding myths, a comic.  I will preface this with my feelings about covering while nursing in public.  I prefer to cover in some way.  This has been increasingly difficult as Baby has gotten wigglier (is that a word?).  I just want to stay modest.  There are ways to cover without draping a blanket completely over the body.  I have gotten my share of disapproving glares no matter how covered I have been!  Anyway.....   enjoy the giggle!

Gratituesday: Counting My Blessings

I saw another blogger list her blessings a few weeks back.  I thought that would be a great exercise for today's Gratituesday post!  I know I will leave a ton of things out - some for privacy, some for time, some just because I am so blessed that I don't realize all the ways I am blessed!

I am grateful for:

• my God who loved me enough to send His Son to die on the cross in my place so I can spend eternity with Him (you can too - just ask Jesus into your heart)
• my immediate family - Hubby and Baby and Baby-on-the-Way
• my extended family - parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc - we are very loved!
• our church
• our home
• Hubby's job - providing for us so I can stay home
• our vehicles - we have 2 that run (1 better than the other).  Most people in the world have none.
• our pooch
• food - we have 3 meals a day plus snacks.  So many people go to bed hungry.
• our friends. We have lived in many places and have been blessed with fantastic friends at each stop.
  

This list could go on forever.  Just getting started, I am overwhelmed.  Thank you, Lord, for all of Your blessings on our lives - even those blessings that cause us pain but are good for us.

Click over to Heavenly Homemakers to add to the list of blessings today!

Also, click on over to my money saving blog to enter to win an envelope chock-full of great coupons to stretch your budget!

Menu Planning Monday - Week of 10/19/09

Well, menu planning is definitely more difficult with morning sickness to contend with!  I am still trying to stay on track with $200 or less per month for groceries - I am now using an all-cash system to help ensure I am extra careful.   Click on over to orgjunkie.com for recipes and menus galore!

Here's my plan for this week:

Breakfasts:  Toast/cereal and coffe for hubby, cereal for Baby, salty leftovers for me
Lunches:  Sandwiches and applesauce for Hubby, fruits and veggies for Baby,  anything I can get down for me

Dinners
Monday - Chicken Quesadillas
Tuesday - Burgers
Wednesday - Prime Time Pizza Pie
Thursday - Stew
Friday - Pork Chops and Taters
Saturday - Meatball Hogies
Sunday - Macaroni and cheese with hot dogs

Life Just Changed Forever

Well, life will never be the same again!

Finer Things Friday - Walk at a Local Resort

Earlier this week, I was able to take Baby for a walk at a local resort.  Between the leaf mold smell, the vibrant colors, the gorgeous weather, and tine with Baby, this is certainly a Finer Thing!  Go to The Finer Things in Life to see other finer things!

 

Parenting: Words Hurt

I am new to parenting, but not new to kids.  After teaching for 9 years, I have dealt with a LOT of kids.  I have learned a lot about how children interact.  I have seen the hurt in a child's eyes after being bullied.  Most of all, I have learned how much words hurt.

With that in mind, I want to direct you to a fantastic post by We Are THAT Family today dealing with helping children understand the power of their words.

Postpartum Adventures and a New Pregnancy

No, I am not as big as the photo - that photo was from my last pregnancy!  I have had several people ask me specifically how I feel about this pregnancy in relation to my postpartum struggles just a few months ago.  You can read my struggles here and here if you'd like.  By August 2009 I finally felt like myself again.  My thyroid was finally under control and I had my life back - no longer controlled by anxiety and depression.

One question to me has been how I feel about becoming pregnant so soon after that ordeal.  Baby is just a year.  I have been healthy just a few short months. Well, Hubby and I feel that we waited 8 years for Baby.  Now that we are settled and he is done with school, we are excited to see what family God has for us.  Is it scary?  A bit.  Do I get freaked out?  For sure.  I wonder if I will have the energy for 2 under 2.  When morning sickeness has incapacitated me, I wonder how I can handle being a mom that day.  Do I worry about postpartum mood issues again?  Of course.  I worry about pregnancy issues as well.  I worry I will have preterm labor again without such good results.  I worry I will get the PUPPPS rash again.  I worry about my decision about my hospital and ob choice - this hospital is a bit old fashioned and does not allow walking around after water breaks, does not allow rooming in with baby, and REALLY pushes a full-strength epidural (I had one with Baby and had a lot of trouble with delivery - ended in a vacuum extraction).

There are so many other things I could worry about.  What good will the worry do?  God has given me so many promises.  I know He created me.  He created Baby.  He created the baby within.  He will provide all I need.

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139: 7, 9-10, 23-24)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32:17)

Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:8b, 31-34)

Those are just a few.  I am choosing to trust in those promises.  I am choosing to trust that God will guide and direct my doctors in my care.  Do I still worry?  Yes, but I serve a big and loving and forgiving God.

A Race Well-Run

I posted earlier this week about an amazing former pastor of mine who went to be with the Lord on Thursday.  I've been humbled in my memories of him these past few days.  It has been 8 years since we lived in the same state, let alone town, over 9 years since he married Hubby and I. Here are a few memories:

• Steve always had a smile on his face.  He had a great sense of humor.
• Each conversation, Steve directed back to truth about God.  We could be talking about a piece of lint and somehow, Steve would find a truth about God in that lint.
• Steve was never afraid to ask the hard questions.  He sought Hubby and I out when we were newly dating.  He made it a point to challenge us to receive regular counseling/accountability while we dated.  He walked through intense marriage counseling with us and our marriage has benefitted greatly from his care.
• Though we were far away, we have been blessed to follow Steve and the whole Murphy family through the heartbreaking trial of his oldest son, Ian, being in a car accident and in a coma.  Three years later, Ian is still in a coma but being healed little by little.  Steve's faith remained strong through these years.  You can read all about these trials at PrayforIan.com.
  

Mark Altrogge, another pastor of ours, wrote a blog about Steve today.  In this blog, he included  a letter that Steve wrote during cancer treatments.  You simply must go to The Blazing Center to read this letter.  What an amazing testimony from a man who got to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servent."

Menu Planning Monday - Week of 10/12/09

We are attempting to eat just out of the pantry this week.  I am buyimg milk, bread, potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and buns today.  Normally, pantry meals wouldn't be a big deal since we do have a nice stockpile going, but add in all-day queasiness from pregnancy and things get a little tricky.  My menu for the week will be just a basic framework.

Breakfasts: 
Hubby eats toast or cold cereal.  I eat anything salty I can get my hands on (for example - chili, cheese and crackers, soup).  Baby eats cheerios and yogurt with fruit.

Lunch:
Hubby takes a sandwich and applesauce to work.  I eat leftovers.  Baby shares with me and has some extra veggies and fruit.

Dinner:
Monday - Meatball hogies with a side of pasta
Tuesday - Chicken Drumsticks in the crockpot with taters on the side.
Wednesday - Enchiladas
Thursday - Stromboli (recipe below)
Friday - Roast Pork Chops with homemade oven fries
Saturday - Leftovers ("Dinner:  the Best Of")
Sunday - Ramen Noodles with egg (egg drop soup) and veggies

Stromboli
Preheat oven (and pizza stone if using one) to 400 degrees
Ingredients:
pizza dough (refrigerated, box mix, or homemade)
shredded Italian cheeses
favorite Italian meats
cut up veggies
pasta sauce for dipping

Make pizza dough
Roll dough out to size. I prefer smaller individual strombolis so they can be personalized.
Layer cheese, meats, and vegetables
Carefully roll stromoli into a log
Place on baking sheet or stone
Bake for 18 - 25 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Serve with warmed pasta sauce.

Run the Race

As I read this passage tonight, and two verses jumped off the page at me.  I will highlight those verses.  They need no further explanation.

Hebrews 12:1-6 (New Living Translation)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
   “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline,
      and don’t give up when he corrects you.
 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves,
      and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

Giveaway Winners Announced!

The winners are:

Build Your Coupon Arsenal

• Jennie #34
• Faerie Mom #17
• Marcia #21

Tiny Baby Jesus

• Bombastic Belle #10

Elisabeth Elliot Book

• Christian Frugal Mama #12

I will contact each winner via email or blog.  Thanks for playing!  Keep your eyes peeled for more giveaways - I have MANY ZonderKidz books to review and giveaway!

More Vaccine Info

Dr. Sears is a well-known pediatrician who advocates more natural methods of medicine.  He is not anti-vaccine.  He does research on the ingredients of each vaccine and makes recommendations on the different ways to vaccinate.  I have found his book, The Vaccine Book, to be very informative.

Dr. Sears has now weighed in on the controversial flu and H1N1 vaccines.  Read his thoughts to find which brands are safest (lowest mercury content) and how to divide the shots up.

Friendships

I wrote this article for our MOPS newsletter this week.  I thought it would be a timely post here as well.

A 4-year old boy calls across the field to a 3-year old girl, “Little girl, do you want to come and play?”  This small step by a little boy was the start of the most meaningful female friendship in my mother’s life.  Mom and Becky have been through it all and then some.  They’ve been best friends for nearly 30 years.  Their friendship came when neither was looking.

For years, Mom has encouraged me to find my “Becky.”  We both prayed for my “Becky.”  I have some close friends from growing up and college, but they are almost all male - one being that 4-year old boy.  I’ve never been good with female friendships.  With each move, God was faithful to bring godly women into my life - women with the potential to be my “Becky.”  The thing is, a “Becky” takes years to grow.

We all need to have a “Becky” or two in our lives - someone to walk with us and to pick us up when we fall.  Someone to be honest with us even when it hurts.  Someone willing to clean the toilets in the new house as we struggle to move in.  Someone to hold us accountable.  It is possible to have a “long-distance Becky,” but certainly not ideal.  We all need someone willing to come over at a moment’s notice from time to time.

Do you have a “Becky?”  I encourage you to pray for one.  I encourage you to get out and meet other women.   Over time, a “Becky” or two or three will emerge.  I keep praying.  You should too.  We aren’t meant to walk through this life alone.  What is holding you back?  Fear of transparency?  Fear of rejection?  Fear of looking awkward?  While there is certainly a time and place for very structured relationships, we need not force our “Becky-ships.”  Transparency comes with trust.  Pray.  Invest time.  Invest your heart.  It’s worth it for a “Becky.”

Please Pray

Please pray for the Murphy family.  The father, Steve, went to be with the Lord this afternoon.  Steve is the pastor that married us 9 years ago.  This family has been tested in so many ways.  Their oldest son, Ian, has been in a coma for 3 years since a car accident.  Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumor just over a month ago.  He leaves behind a wife, 4 boys and a 4 year old daughter, plus a brand new grandson.

Throughout their trials, they have been transparent.  Through blogging, they have shown us their hearts and shown us God's faithfulness.  They have not wavered.  They did not fear this death though they are quite sad.  Steve did not fear death either.  He looked forward to meeting his Savior face to face.

I know he is hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Heart Fixation

Where is your heart?  Yes, in your chest to be sure.  I mean, what is your heart fixed upon?  I can honestly say that right now my heart is fixed on a cheeseburger that I am craving (oh, the joys of pregnancy).   Where should our hearts be fixed?

Paul helps us out in Philippians:
 

Philippians 4:8 (New Living Translation)

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

I know that my heart is prone to wander.  I don't mean that in any way in regards to my marriage - no worries!  I get sidetracked with the nuts and bolts of life.  I grumble about bad drivers.  I fret about parenting decisions.  I rejoice over catching a favorite television show. 


The more I let my heart go unchecked, the more it wanders.  When I am intentional and focus on things as Paul describes, the more my heart desires those good things.


We need to guard our hearts.  We need to guard them against any influences that draw us away from God.  If we haven't given our hearts completely to God, we need to let Him perform a heart transplant - remove a heart of stone and replace it with a heart full of life.


How is your heart?  Where is your focus?

Blessings Abound

I have not posted much on the personal side lately, because of the sheer craziness that has been going on around here.  Here is a recap of the beginning of our week!

First, I decided Saturday night that I just didn't feel quite like myself so we decided to stop at CVS on the way home from Church to get a pregnancy test (I managed to get $30 worth of items including the test and after Extra Bucks I had accumulated, coupons, and sales, I paid $2.50 and got $7 back in Extra Bucks to use next time!  Learn how to shop like this with these posts: part 1, part 2). 

THE TEST WAS POSITIVE!!!  We confirmed with my doctor on Monday.  God is blessing us with another sweet baby!

Secondly, Monday, Baby learned to walk! 

Lastly, we threw a nice birthday party for family and friends Tuesday night.  I decided to be adventurous and learn how to make fondant.  The cake turned out fairly well, but not exactly how I had planned.

Other items on the plate during this time:  blogging, writing an article for our MOPS newsletter, gathering RSVP's for our MOPS meeting, preparing for a home refinance, cleaning the house for the party....  the list could go on forever.

I am so thankful for our Baby and how he has grown over this past year.  I am so thankful that God has blessed us with yet another little one on the way this coming summer.  I am praying for a much easier pregancy and an on-time arrival (Baby was 4 weeks early) plus a much easier postpartum period.  I am thankful that morning sickness hasn't been debilitating this time around.  There is the mind-numbing fatigue, but it is just for this short season. 

Thank you for indulging me in this recap!  Remember to check out my giveaways this week:  Elizabeth Elliot book  and Coupon Envelopes.  Keep your eyes peeled - a new giveaway is on its way!  I will be reviewing and giving away a ZonderKidz book!

Gratituesday: First Birthday

I cannot believe it - Baby is one year old today!  To top it off, he started walking yesterday!  This year has simply flown by.  I am speechless at how blessed we are. 

Buggy, we  are so blessed to be your parents.  You are a joy to us each and every day.  We love you more than words can explain.  We pray you will continue to grow up healthy, big, and strong.  We pray that you will know Jesus early in your life.  We are so thankful for your smile.  Your mommy and daddy love you so much!

My, how you have grown!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go on over to Heavenly Homemaker for other stories of gratitude.   Don't forget - you can enter my giveaways!  Coupon giveaway  and Elizabeth Elliot book giveaway.